A04-PhragAerialSpraySOW_2024.docx

SCOPE OF WORK

Quivira National Wildlife Refuge 1434 NE 80th Street, Stafford, KS 67578

Title: Quivira NWR Phragmites Aerial Helicopter Application 2024

PROJECT BACKGROUND AND DESCRIPTION STATEMENT

STATEMENT OF NEED

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) manages a variety of habitats to support native ecological communities (plants and wildlife). Quivira National Wildlife Refuge (Refuge) has identified many ecological benefits to the removal of invasives, especially invasive phragmites and cattail, on shorebirds and waterfowl.

OVERALL WORK

Quivira had an aerial spray in 2023, the contractor will be responsible for treating anything that was not killed in 2023, areas that were not able to be treated in 2023, and additional areas listed on the map in the appendix. The contractor will supply all necessary equipment, chemical (imazapyr and Surfactant) and labor to perform a helicopter aerial spray for invasive phragmites on about 250 acres with the possibility of treating some small cattail patches. It is strongly suggested for contractors to plan a site visit (visualize scope of project, ground conditions, etc.) prior to submitting for the project.

TOTAL PROJECT COST: ___________________________________________________________

*Reminder that the cost is everything, including mobilization/demobilization, and chemical

SPECIFIC PROJECT DETAILS

The Refuge supports an abundance of native wetlands that phragmites and cattail patches are invading, because of this, spraying accuracy is important to not disturb/kill the native vegetation. With helicopters having better accuracy than fix wing, a helicopter with boom sprayer will be required for this project. Phragmites grows in dense patches and has underground rhizomes that shoot out past what appears to be the patch. To achieve the best results, a 50-foot buffer will be sprayed around the patches. This acreage is already included in the total amount of acres. Spraying is directly influenced by weather. Imazapyr can only be sprayed when wind speeds are of 10mph or less according to the herbicide label.

START AND END DATE/HOURS OF OPERATION

Timing of treatment for phragmites is important for successful treatment as well as for the species that occupy that area. Treatment of phragmites is permitted between and mid-September to October (first frost). Treatment of phragmites between mid-august and mid-September is dependent on species of concern occurrence and associated habitat conditions. With using imazapyr and surfactant the phragmites growth stage can be either in green growing or starting to bloom.

Hour of project operation will commence during open refuge hours, and the preferred time period of treatment will be in September. Early treatment in October will be difficult and limited as fall migration of waterfowl, including endangered whooping cranes migrate to, and through the refuge. If extended time is needed it will need to be cleared with the refuge manager or point of contact.

COMMUNICATION

Before project is to begin the contractor will have a sit-down meeting with Refuge Manager, point of contact, and necessary staff members to go over the plan of action for the project as well as remain in frequent communication during the project. The contractor is expected to update refuge staff when moving to next location on the refuge and give an updated description of what was accomplished daily. Based on the plan of action for treatment, certain public use access areas may need to be closed to entry.

QUALITY ASSURANCE SURVEILLANCE

Each site will be inspected by U.S. Fish and Wildlife personnel upon notification by Contractor that the site is completed and ready for inspection.

SAFETY, PERMITS, and FEES The contractor shall ensure all appropriate local, state and federal safety and accident prevention requirements are complied with. Areas of consideration should include emergency communications in the field, an emergency contact list, first aid preparedness, personal protective equipment, equipment fueling, fire suppression and public safety considerations. The contractor is expected to work in a safe manner to minimize the hazards to themselves and the public.

The contractor shall be responsible for obtaining all necessary local, state, and federal permits and licenses, and payment of related fees, per the contract.

All work shall comply and conform with codes and standards applicable to all regulations and statutes of the State of Kansas and to all Federal regulations which apply.

POINT OF CONTACT

For additional information or to schedule a site visit please contact Lauren Govekar at 620-204-8105 (C), 620-410-4018 (O), or lauren_govekar@fws.gov.

APPENDIX

Map 1: showing the phragmites retreatment area (teal), areas that were not treated in 2023 (Orange/Yellow), and additional isolated acres (Pink/Dark blue).

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